Isaiah Papali’i stood down after drink-driving offence

Isaiah Papali’i has been stood down for the opening round of the NRL season for a drink-driving offence.

The New Zealand and Samoa international has been ruled out of New Zealand Warriors’ opening round clash with Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday.

Papali’i will serve a one-match club-imposed ban after failing a police breath test while leaving a concert in Gisborne in January.

Warriors’ chief executive Cameron George said: “We expect better from our players and anyone who falls short of our standards will be appropriately dealt with irrespective of the time of year or their standing within the club.

“Isaiah is extremely remorseful for his actions. He feels like he’s let his team-mates, the club, our fans and his family down.

“He is now determined to win back their respect and will also be fighting hard to earn back his spot in the team.”